OMAHA (DTN) -- As critics contend a proposed Clean Water Act rule will extend EPA's authority over water in ditches and that the rule will be open to inconsistent enforcement, one agriculture industry representative told a House subcommittee Tuesday that at least one EPA region already is looking closely at ditches as point-sources in need of CWA permits.

The American Farm Bureau Federation in recent months launched the so-called "Ditch the Rule" campaign aimed at rallying farmers to speak out against the rule. EPA recently extended the public comment period to Oct. 21.